John Legend: 'New album is a protest'

John Legend has revealed that his latest LP is a collection of protest songs.

The singer, who released his collaborative record with The Roots called Wake Up! in September last year, said the album will particularly appeal to students who are currently fighting against the rise in university tuition fees.

"For students in the UK it directly affects them. School just got a lot more expensive," he told the Daily Star.

"They have been asked to bear the brunt of the financial crisis and it’s a shock to their system.

"With the record industry contracting and so many people worrying about keeping their jobs, fewer artists have been willing to make the kind of statements that could endanger their popularity."

He continued: "That might change now. It just goes to show kids will protest and react to the policies when they start to affect them."

Wake Up! has been nominated in five categories at this year's Grammy Awards.